Work Begins On Landmark 100 MW Project Solar City

Work has officially commenced on the Maldives’ landmark 100 MW Project Solar City, a major floating-solar initiative that represents a significant step towards the nation’s renewable energy ambitions and forms the central infrastructure of the country’s first Special Economic Zone.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade stated that the project has now moved from planning to execution, with on-site activities such as material delivery, shore protection, and land dredging currently in progress following the approval of practical work permits.

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Valued at USD 187 million, including more than USD 100 million allocated specifically to renewable energy components, the project aims to establish a large floating solar platform within a lagoon in the Malé Atoll. The platform is designed to generate 100 MW of electricity and feed it directly into the national grid through an undersea cable.

The contract for the project was awarded to Abraxas Power Corporation of Canada, which received clearance for the first phase in April of last year. Sangro Power Supply Co. is serving as the technical partner.

The Ministry has set 2027 as the target for project completion.

Project Solar City is a central element of the government’s national energy strategy, which seeks to convert 33 percent of the country’s energy consumption to renewable sources by the end of the stated period. Authorities anticipate that the shift to sustainable energy will generate significant economic benefits, with an estimated annual saving of USD 42 million in fuel costs.